Integrated horticultural grow rack kit

ABSTRACT

A horticultural plant growing assembly includes a pair of casings, each with a bottom and a side wall. Each side wall includes an upper edge configured to engage one another to define a cavity between the casings. The plant growing assembly further includes a light system, and a plurality of frame members that are connectable together to form a frame, with the light system being attachable to the frame. The plant growing assembly is configurable into a packaged configuration and an assembled configuration. In the packaged configuration, the frame members and the light system are contained within the cavity, and in the assembled configuration the frame members are connected together to form the frame with the light system attached to the frame. One of the casings includes a shelf adapted to support a plant with the light system disposed above the shelf.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/916,638, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent App. Ser. No. 62/869,070, filed Jul. 1, 2019, whichare all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a compact plant growing assemblykit, and in particular to a plant growing assembly including framemembers, top and base caps, and lights, where the assembly may beintegrally packaged within the top and base caps for transport and sale.

Horticulture is known as the science and art of the development andsustainable production of cultivated plants. Horticultural crops arediverse and can include all manner of plants. Indoor growing of plantsis a popular activity and various equipment is available to consumersfor promoting growing, including various lighting, watering and shelfsystems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,654,036 B2 to Best Coast Growersdiscloses a tubular grow rack that can be assembled in many differentsizes, is collapsible, and can support hanging objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a cost-effective, pre-engineered,free-standing, all-in-one horticultural plant growing assembly that isconfigurable into a packaged orientation for convenient storage andshipment, and an assembled orientation in which plants may be disposedon a shelf with a light positioned above the plants. The plant growingassembly of the present invention further eliminates the need to spendhours researching, purchasing, and assembling multiple equipment optionsto effectively grow a multitude of plants, such as cannabis, tomatoes,lettuce, decorative indoor plants, etc. Additionally, the assembledconfiguration of the plant growing assembly of the present invention isaesthetically designed for use in any residential space.

According to one form of the present invention, a horticultural plantgrowing assembly includes a pair of casings, with each casing having abottom and a side wall defining a perimeter of each casing. Each sidewall of each casing includes an upper edge with a flange. The flanges ofthe casings are correspondingly shaped to be engaged together to definea cavity between the bottoms of the casings. The plant growing assemblyfurther includes a light system with lights for projecting light, and aplurality of frame members, with the frame members being connectabletogether to form a frame. The light system is selectively attachable tothe frame. The plant growing assembly is selectively configurable into apackaged configuration and an assembled configuration. In the packagedconfiguration, the frame members and the light system are containedwithin the cavity when the flanges of the casings are engaged together.In the assembled configuration, the frame members are connected togetherto form the frame with the light system attached to the frame, and withthe frame engaged with and extending upward from at least one of thecasings whereby the at least one of the casings has a shelf configuredto support a plant with the light system being disposed above the shelf.

According to an aspect, the light system includes a light driverassembly and a plurality of light panels configured to be assembled toform a light fixture. The light driver assembly and the light fixtureare configured to be selectively attachable to the frame, and the lightdriver assembly and the plurality of panels are contained within thecavity in the packaged configuration.

According to another aspect, each of the plurality of light panels isselectively connectable to the light driver assembly to receiveelectrical power therefrom. An underside of each light panel includes anarray of LED lights, and an upside of each light panel includes heatsinks.

According to yet another aspect, the light driver assembly includes apair of light intensity switches. One of the pair of light intensityswitches is configured to selectively adjust intensity of red spectrumlight and another one of the pair of light intensity switches isconfigured to selectively adjust intensity of white/blue spectrum light.

According to a further aspect, the horticultural plant growing assemblyfurther includes a pair of fan assemblies, each of the fan assembliesincluding a carbonated filter. The pair of fan assemblies is configuredto be selectively attachable to the frame, and the pair of fanassemblies is contained within the cavity in the packaged configuration.

According to yet a further aspect, each of the pair of fan assemblies isconnectable to the light driver assembly to receive electrical powertherefrom.

According to still another aspect, the light fixture is adjustablymountable to the frame whereby distance between the light fixture andthe shelf is selectively vertically adjustable.

The plant growing assembly kit provides a system that is collapsibleinto a convenient orientation for transport and sale with no shippingwaste, and when assembled is useable in various configurations forgrowing plants, where all manner of plants may be grown using theinvention. The kit thus provides a pre-engineered, all-in-onehorticultural grow product for growing plants that includes everything,less the seedlings, containers and dirt, to grow plants indoors that isan all-in-one solution. These and other objects, advantages, purposesand features of this invention will become apparent upon review of thefollowing specification in conjunction with the drawings. The inventionthus provides a self-contained, pre-packaged, modularized rack and shelfsystem for growing plants indoors. Its components are designed to beconvertible to various rack styles and provides adjustable lightingvariations to support the expedited growth of a wide variety of plants.The product is all-inclusive providing most grow components,step-by-step grow recipes, and is designed to minimize shipping waste.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plant growing assembly kit inaccordance with the present invention shown in a disassembled andpackaged orientation for transport and sale;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the plant growing assembly kitof FIG. 1 shown in a partially opened orientation;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of pre-packaged components of the plantgrowing assembly kit of FIG. 1 shown removed from the bottom shelf andtop cap upon opening;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of frame components of the frameassembly of the plant growing assembly kit of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are close-up perspective assembly views of a selectedcorner of the frame assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the frame assembly shown installed tothe bottom shelf;

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded top perspective view of the frame assemblyof FIG. 6 shown with a pair of upper cross members and a LED driverprior to mounting to the frame assembly;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. 7 shown withthe upper cross bars and LED driver mounted to the frame assembly;

FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of LED light panels of a lightsystem in accordance with an aspect of the present invention shown withhanger brackets for mounting the LED light panels;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the interconnected LED light panels andhanger brackets of FIG. 9A shown with an adjustable suspension systemfor mounting the LED light panels to the frame assembly;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the frame assembly kit of FIG. 8 shownwith the light system mounted thereto, and with a front reflective shadeand a fixed reflective panel prior to installation;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the sub-assembly of FIG. 10 shown withthe front reflective shade, fixed reflective panel and a top cap mountedonto the frame assembly to form a plant growing assembly in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the plant growing assembly of FIG. 11,shown with a screen installed and a plurality of grow bags placed on theplant growing assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described with reference to theaccompanying figures, wherein the numbered elements in the followingwritten description correspond to like-numbered elements in the figures.A plant growing assembly or grow rack kit 18 in a packaged orientationfor storage, transport and/or sale is illustrated in FIG. 1. The plantgrowing assembly kit 18 is used to construct a plant growing assembly20, such as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 1, the plant growing assembly kit 18 is formed in the packagedorientation by way of a packaging case 22 formed by a base or bottommember or pan or shelf 24 and a top member or top cap 26 with an outerwrapper 28 applied there over. The wrapper 28 includes an integratedcarrying handle 30 for ease of lifting that projects through an opening32 in the wrapper 28 when disposed about the bottom shelf 24 and top cap26. Of note, when in the packaged orientation of FIG. 1, the bottomshelf 24 and top cap 26 form a clam shell arrangement with additionaldisassembled components for constructing the assembly 20 contained inthe cavity 34 (FIG. 2) formed between the bottom shelf 24 and top cap26, including frame components, LED lights, a rack, and growingcontainers for plants, as well as other accessories. The plant growingassembly 20 is thus conveniently packaged when in the orientation ofFIG. 1, such as for store display and transport, including for shippingand for a user to transport the kit 18 from a store to a point of use,such as the residence of the purchaser. Moreover, in the illustratedembodiment the kit 18 includes all of the equipment needed for a user togrow plants via assembly 20 with the exception of dirt and seeds, thusproviding a self-contained, portable and easy to assemble and use systemfor growing plants.

With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base shelf 24 has atray-like configuration with a bottom 36 surrounded by an upright sidewall 38 extending from the bottom 36, thereby forming a cavity. Theupright side wall 38 of the base shelf 24 defines an upper or outer edge40 about the perimeter of the base shelf 24. Similarly, the top cap 26includes an internal bottom, an upright side wall 42 extending from thebottom, with the upright side wall 42 of the top cap 26 defining anupper or outer edge 44 about the perimeter of the top cap 26. In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the upper edges 40 and 44 includecorrespondingly shaped perimeter flanges that create an interference fitor tongue-and-groove connection between the base shelf 24 and top cap 26whenever they are connected together to form the packaging case 22. Inother words, whenever the members 24 and 26 are engaged or connectedtogether, their respective perimeter flanges enclose or seal theperimeters of the two members 24 and 26 together in a clam shellarrangement to form the enclosed cavity 34 within which other componentsof the assembly 20 may be stored in a disassembled orientation. The baseshelf 24 and top cap 26 thus form casings for the packaging case 22 inthe packaged orientation of FIG. 1.

Both the base shelf 24 and top cap 26 are symmetrical and shaped asrectangles in the illustrated embodiment, though other shapes are alsopossible. The interior surface or bottom 36 of the base shelf 24 istapered from its four corners towards an interior front-middle region 37of the base shelf 24 so that water accumulated in the interior surfaceor on the bottom 36 is directed for collection to a low point. Theinterior front-middle region 37 of the base shelf 24 may also include adrain opening (not shown) to drain the water out of the interior of thebase shelf 24. Alternatively, water may be removed via a syringe.

In the illustrated embodiment the base shelf 24 and top cap 26 aremolded from Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) material. In the packagedorientation of FIG. 1, the base shelf 24 and top cap 26 may additionallybe secured together by a pair of nylon straps 46 wrapped around the twomembers 24, 26 when they are engaged together, for which purpose each ofthe base shelf 24 and top cap 26 include pairs of retention grooves 48disposed on opposed sides, with the grooves 48 being molded into themembers 24, 26. The retention grooves 48 assist in ensuring that straps46 remain in place about members 24, 26. The retention grooves 48 mayadditionally provide reinforcement for the securing with straps 46.Although members 24, 26 in the illustrated embodiment are constructed ofEPP, which provides excellent energy absorption, high strengthproperties, superior durability, lightweight, resistance to water,chemicals, and most oils, and is recyclable, it should be appreciatedthat other suitable plastic materials may be used, as well asalternative materials. The base shelf 24 and top cap 26 may beconstructed to be identical with the flanges of their top edges 40, 44configured to mate together, such as when rotated 180 degrees withrespect to each other.

With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the wrapper 28 may beconstructed of cardboard with the overlapping end flaps that include thehandle 30 and opening 32 being glued in place in the packagedorientation of FIG. 1. Optionally, the outer wrapper 28 may includeexterior product graphics and/or detailed growing instructions forspecific plants or assembly and use instructions may be pre-printed onthe underside of the outer wrapper 28.

As understood from FIG. 2, when the plant growing assembly kit 10 is inthe packaged orientation, the hollow cavity 34 of the packaging case 22is configured to retain in pre-determined positions various pre-packagedhardware components and accessories of the plant growing assembly kit18, which will be discussed in more detail below.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the hardware components of the plant growingassembly kit 18 include a pre-packaged frame component bundle 50, alight system comprising a LED driver 52 and a set of light panelspackaged in a light panels box 54, a rolled-up front reflective shade56, a set various accessories packaged in an accessories box 58, and ascrog screen 60. It will be understood that the base shelf 24 and topcap 26 are also part of the hardware components of the plant growingassembly kit 18 and are used to construct the plant growing assembly 20,as will be described below.

In the illustrated embodiment the frame component bundle 50 includes thefollowing frame members or components: four vertical posts 62, threeface beams 64, one front fan mount 66, and four side or end beams 68,such as shown in FIG. 4, and two upper cross bars 69, as shown in FIG.7. It will be understood that the frame members included in the framecomponent bundle 50 form a frame or frame assembly 70 of the plantgrowing assembly 20. It is contemplated that each of the frame membersis stamped out of cold-rolled steel, such as 16-gauge steel, such thatthe frame assembly 70 of the plant growing assembly 20 provides for arigid structure. It is further contemplated that all steel components ofthe frame assembly 70 may be treated for rust resistance, includingbeing powder coated. Alternatively, the frame components may beconstructed of aluminum, plastic or another material. In addition to theabove noted frame members, the frame component bundle 50 also includestwo light support brackets 72, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B and discussedin more detail below.

Each vertical post 62 has an L-shaped cross-section and is formed as asymmetrical and elongate angle with a pair of equal flanges. Eachvertical post 62 includes a plurality of stamped holes 74 and taperedslots 76, such as shown for example in FIGS. 5A and 5B, disposed on eachflange and at both ends of each vertical post 62 for engagement withfront fan mount 66, face beams 64 and side beams 68. Each vertical post62 also includes apertures at specific locations along the length thatare used for attaching other components and accessories to each verticalpost 62, as discussed further below.

Each face beam 64 is formed as an elongate angle with unequal flangesand having the length approximately equal to the length of each verticalpost 62. As shown in FIG. 4, each face beam 64 includes stamped holes 78and tabs 80 disposed at opposed ends for engagement with respectivevertical posts 62. Each face beam 64 also includes a plurality of holesat specific locations along the length that are used for attaching othercomponents and accessories to each face beam 64, as discussed furtherbelow. The front fan mount 66 is formed as an elongate angle withunequal flanges, where a significantly wider flange of the front fanmount 66 forms a panel that defines various holes, openings andapertures that are used for attaching other hardware components andaccessories to the front fan mount 66, as discussed further below. Thelength of the front fan mount 66 is equal to the length of each facebeam 64. The front fan mount 66 includes stamped holes 78 and tabs 80disposed at opposed ends in like manner to face beams 64 for engagementwith respective vertical posts 62.

Each side beam 68 is formed as an elongate angle with unequal flangesand having the length of approximately half of the length of each facebeam 64. Each side beam 68 includes stamped holes 78 and tabs 80disposed at opposed ends for engagement with respective vertical posts62 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). Each side beam 68 also includes a plurality ofholes at specific locations along the length that are used for attachingother components and accessories to each side beam 68, as discussedfurther below.

Each upper cross bar 69 is formed as a symmetrical and elongate L-shapedangle with a pair of equal flanges and having a length approximatelyequal to the length of each side beam 68. Each upper cross bar 69 alsoincludes a pair of ends 82 (FIG. 7) with each end 82 including a holeused for attachment of each upper cross bar 69 to a respective face beam64 and front fan mount 66. Each upper cross bar 69 also includes a notch84 (FIGS. 7 and 8) disposed generally at the center of each upper crossbar 69 that is used as a locator and a retaining groove for hanging andsupporting the LED lights, as discussed further below.

FIGS. 4-8 illustrate the interconnection of the frame members to formthe frame 70, and additionally illustrate the engagement of the frame 70with the bottom shelf 24 as part of the assembly process of forming growrack assembly 20. In particular, frame 70 is installed within bottomshelf 24 whereby the side wall 38 surrounds the lower portion of frame70. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, screws 86 and nuts 88 may be usedto fixedly connect the frame members together.

As discussed above, the light system packaged in the plant growingassembly kit 18 includes the LED driver 52 and the set of light panels,described in more detail below. As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 7, the LEDdriver 52 includes a metal housing 90 with a pair of pre-wiredwater-resistant rotary switches 92, an on/off switch 94, and threequick-connectors 96 for attachment of electric cables for LED lights.LED driver 52 additionally includes a pre-wired power cord with grounded115V plug (not shown). The set of LED light panels, pre-packaged in thelight panels box 54, are three separate ultra-thin, reinforced aluminumextruded light panels 98, such as shown in FIG. 9A, that are configuredto interlock together to form a LED light fixture 100, such as shown inFIG. 9B. Each light panel 98 includes lights on the underside, such asarrays of LED lights, and approximately half an inch ventilation holesstrategically located throughout each panel 98 to dissipate radiant heatfrom the LED lights. The upper side of each light panel 98 includes acorrugated surface acting as heat sinks for passive cooling. As shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B, each panel 98 further includes a pre-wiredquick-connect water-resistant input cable 102 to electrically connecteach panel 98 to a respective quick-connector 96 of the LED driver 52.Panels 98 are connected together, including via a pair of supportbrackets 72. The support brackets 72 include an angled flange thatextends over all three panels 72, with each bracket 72 being secured toeach of the three LED panels 98, such as by way of fasteners.

As shown in FIG. 9B, adjustable cable or rope hangers 104 are secured toeach of the support brackets 72, which, as understood from FIG. 10,enable the position of the LED light fixture 100 to be verticallyadjustable when installed to frame 70. In the illustrated embodimentrope hangers 104 are fully adjustable and are tear and rust resistant,and are made from ⅛″ diameter solid braided polypropylene rope. Eachrope hanger 104 includes an internal zinc-plated steel gear with a pushbutton 106, which provides the means for vertical adjustment, and acarabiner clip 108 on one end of each rope hanger 104, as shown in FIG.9B, for attachment to respective side beams 68 of frame 70. Asunderstood from FIG. 10, the rope hangers 104 extend over cross bars 69,with the respective ropes being slidably engaged within notches 84 forguiding and positioning the LED light fixture 100. It should beappreciated that the vertical position of the LED light fixture 100 maybe adjusted based on the size or height of the plant being grown usinggrowing assembly kit 18.

The LED light fixture 100, in cooperation with the LED driver 52, form adimmable spectrum LED light system, when assembled. The light system isconfigured to establish consistent photosynthetic photon flux density(PPFD) values across the entire plant canopy area for enhanced plantgrowth. Additionally, the light system is configured to selectivelyapply different light spectrums during specific plant growth stages forthe best growth of a variety of plants. An adjustable spectrum iscreated with two rotary switches 92 that allow the user to adjust theintensity of the red spectrum and white (blue) spectrum independently toprovide more versatility for crops like lettuce that can be challengingto grow successfully indoors. For example, lettuce enjoys higher bluespectrum and less red spectrum during its grow cycle for fuller anddenser heads, whereas tomatoes and cannabis prefer higher red spectrumwith the blue spectrum during the vegetable phase and a great deal ofred spectrum during the flower/fruiting phases.

The dimmable spectrum LED light system provides a number of benefits forsuccessful indoor growing of a variety of plants. For example, the lightsystem is configured to emit full spectrum lighting, which providesplants everything they desire from natural sunlight. The system isspectrum dimmable with Max. PPFD>700 umol/m2/s @ 2 ft above plant canopyusing reflectors. The light system provides 80% energy savings ascompared to traditional high-pressure sodium and metal halide lamps. TheLED driver 52 is damp rated for wet locations. The light system isoperable with wide voltage power supply AC100-240V, 50/60 Hz, PF>0.9.The light system has a wide range of working temperature; from −20° C.to 40° C., and relative humidity of 40% RH. The light system is alsoenvironmentally friendly, as it does not contain pollutants or harmfulsubstances under ROHS. Additionally, the light system of the plantgrowing assembly kit 18 is operable to provide at least the followingspectrums and wavelength: blue 400-470 nm, which promotes chlorophylland carotenoid for photosynthesis and leaf production; red 610-720 nm,which promotes chlorophyll absorption for photosynthesis andphotoperiodism; and IR 720-1000 nm, which promotes cell growthinfluences blooming and sprouting.

The front reflective shade 56, shown in FIG. 3 in a rolled-upconfiguration for packaging, includes a plastic pull chain 110 andweighted stabilizing bar 112 (FIG. 10). The front reflective shade 56 isadapted to selectively fully expand and retract into the rolled-upconfiguration via pull chain 110. The front reflective shade 56 is madeof a relatively thick Mylar film that includes a highly durablediamond-textured surface on the interior side of the reflective shade56. Only in the rolled-up configuration for packaging, the frontreflective shade 56 additionally contains a fixed reflective panel 114,shown in an expanded configuration in FIG. 10, that is rolled over inthe front reflective shade 56. The fixed reflective panel 114 is made ofthe same material as the front reflective panel 56 and also includes thehighly durable diamond textured surface on the interior side of thefixed reflective panel 114.

The set of various accessories pre-packaged in the accessories box 58includes the previously mentioned pair of rope hangers 104 (FIG. 9B),and additionally includes a plurality of grow bags 116 (FIG. 12), atimer (not shown), a thermometer/hygrometer (not shown), pH control kit(not shown), a soil tester (not shown), and a plug adapter (not shown).In the illustrated embodiment, the grow bags 116 are collapsible3-gallon aeration fabric pots that are made from high-quality nonwovenfabric and include built-in handles 118. The grow bags 116 promote rootexpansion through better aeration, prevent a circling root structure,and are permeable allowing excess water to drain through the fabric andinto the front-middle region 37 of the base pan 24. The grow bags 116are durable and reusable for several growing seasons. The timer is aheavy-duty 7-day programmable plug-in unit to control the plant lightingcycle on a typically grounded 115V/15 Amp residential outlet. The timerincludes a built-in battery backup, clear LCD digital display, automaticon/off function. The timer is also programmable for Daylight Savings,and is UL listed.

The supplied thermometer/hygrometer is an all-in-one pre-calibratedgauge for measuring internal temperature and humidity of the grow area.The thermometer/hygrometer includes an easy-to-read display thatdisplays daily high and low temperature/humidity results, and a magneticmount for attaching the thermometer/hygrometer to one of the verticalposts 38 in the grow area. The pH control kit provides for maximum plantgrowth by monitoring pH levels of the water and nutrient mixture givento the plants. The kit includes an 8 oz. jar of pH “up”, an 8 oz. jar ofpH “down”, a test tube, a 1 oz. indicator, and a vial. The soil testeris a three-in-one meter designed to better understand plant condition bymonitoring soil moisture, soil pH value, and light level. The testerincludes a double-needle detection technology that enhances the speedand accuracy of analyzing soil moisture and pH levels. The tester doesnot need batteries. The plug adapter is a 3-wire outlet adapter thatconverts any standard indoor electrical outlet into a ground fault(GFCI) protected outlet. The adapter includes a bright “red” lightindicator that indicates when the power is “ON”. The tester alsoincludes test and reset buttons that allow for periodic testing of theadapter. The adapter is compatible with 15-amp U-ground outlets andplugs, 2 or 3 wire, and includes a trip level of 4-6 mA and is UL andCUL listed.

The scrog screen 60 is a wire trellis, which is utilized to provideadditional plant support and to control vertical growth during theflowering stage. It maintains evenness in the plant canopy by allowingthe grower to gently bend the stems to force the plant to grow laterallyand diminish light intensity. The wire trellis includes a 16-gaugevinyl-coated welded-wire steel mesh. As shown in FIG. 12, screen 60 maybe retained in a desired orientation via a pair of trellis bungees 120that are attachable into apertures in posts 62, where bungees 120 arealso contained within kit 18.

The plant growing kit 18 further includes a pair fan assemblies 122,shown for example in FIG. 10. Each fan assembly 122 includes an interiorgranulated carbon filter sandwiched between a pair of safety grilles toremove unwanted odor from inside of the plant growing assembly 20. Theplant growing kit 18 additionally includes a trimming scissors (notshown), a nutrient kit (not shown), and a hardware bag (not shown) thatcontains fasteners, including screws 86 and nuts 88 for attachingselective frame components together, as well as fasteners for attachingthe light system to the frame assembly, and brackets and fasteners forattaching the fixed reflective panel 114 to the frame assembly 70, whichwill be described in more detail below.

According to the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the frame assembly 70of the plant growing assembly 20 is constructed by first connectingopposing ends of a pair of vertical posts 62 via a pair of side beams 68to form a first side 124 of the frame assembly. As best shown in FIGS.5A and 5B, the pair of vertical posts 62 are connected by respectivetapered slots 76 of each vertical post 62 receiving and securelyengaging with respective tabs 80 of each respective side beam 68. Ascrew 86 with locknut 88 are used to secure/reinforce the connection. Asecond side 126 of the frame assembly 70 is constructed in the samemanner as described above. The three face beams 64 and the front fanmount 66 are then used to interconnect upper and lower ends of the firstand second sides 124, 126 to form the frame assembly 70. The first andsecond sides 124, 126 are interconnected in the same manner as describedabove, i.e. by engaging respective tapered slots 76 of each verticalpost 62 with respective tabs 80 of each respective face beam 64 andfront fan mount 66, and securing the connection with a screw 86 andlocknut 88. It will be understood that the front fan mount 66 is used tointerconnect the upper ends of the first and second sides 124, 126, withthe significantly wider flange of the front fan mount 66 serving as afront side or front face of the frame assembly 70 and of the plantgrowing assembly 20.

Turning now to FIG. 6, the frame assembly is then placed into theinterior surface of the base shelf 24, with lower face beams 64 and sidebeams 68 sitting flush on a raised edge 128 disposed around a perimeterof the interior surface of the base shelf 24. With reference to FIGS. 7and 8, the two upper cross bars 69 are mounted between the upper facebeam 64 and the front fan mount 66. A screw 86 and locknut 88 are usedto secure each end flange 82 of each upper cross bar 69 to respectiveupper face beam 64 and front fan mount 66. The LED driver 52 is thenalso mounted between the upper face beam 64 and the front fan mount 66by using four truss head machine screws, with a pair of the screws 130inserted through the front fan mount 66 (FIG. 8) and another pair of thescrews (not shown) inserted through the upper face beam 64. The pair ofrotary switches 92 and the on/off switch 94 of the LED driver assembly52 are fitted into respective apertures 132 and 134 of the front fanmount 66 (FIG. 7).

Turning now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the LED light fixture 100 is formed bynestling light panels 98 together with a tongue and groove joint andfurther securing the connection by the two support brackets 72 that areeach coupled to each light panel 98. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 9B, the smaller flange of each support bracket 72 is coupled toeach light panel 98 by three stainless-thin hex head screws and wingnuts. An end of the rope hanger 104, that is opposite the end with thecarabiner clip 108, is then attached to each support bracket 72 throughthe hole in the larger flange of each support bracket 72. As best shownin FIG. 10, the LED light fixture 100 can then be maneuvered into theframe assembly 70 by each of the pair of rope hangers 104 extending overrespective upper cross bars 69 and attaching with the carabiner clip 108to respective center holes in the opposing upper side beams 68. It willbe understood that the notch 84 on each upper cross bar 69 serves as anindicator and retaining groove for the placement of each rope hangers104. It should also be appreciated that once the LED fixture 100 isinstalled in the frame assembly 70, the LED fixture 100 can bevertically adjusted, i.e. raised or lowered, by pressing the push button106 of each of the rope hangers 104. The installation of the lightsystem is completed by plugging cables 102 of the LED light fixture 100into respective connectors 96 of the LED driver 52.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, the pair of fan assemblies 122 aremounted into respective apertures 136 in the front fan mount 66 (FIG.8). The pair of fan assemblies 122 with carbonated filters are designedto pull ambient room air through the front bottom of the plant growingassembly 20, up through the plant canopy, through the LED light fixture100, up into the top portion of the plant growing assembly 20, and outthe front face of the front fan mount 66 through the carbonated filters.This provides the needed airflow for superior plant growth and to aid inthe reduction of odors that may form inside the plant growing assembly20 filled with plants. Each fan assembly 122 features an airflow of 110CFM, 2600 RPM, and a noise level of 47 dBA. Each fan assembly 122 isfastened to the exterior face of the front fan mount 66 and includes a120V cord that plugs into an outlet on the LED driver 52.

The fixed reflective panel 114 is secured to the sides and back of theframe assembly 70, such as shown in FIG. 10, using push rivets andVelcro provided in the hardware bag of the plant growing kit 18. It willbe understood that the reflective surface of the fixed reflective panel114 is faced inward. The front reflective shade 56 is then mounted byfirst attaching corner brackets 138 to the vertical posts 62 at thefront side of the frame assembly 70, and then mounting the frontreflective shade 56 into the brackets 138 (FIG. 11), as spring-loadedends of the front reflective shade 56 are adapted to clip into thecorner brackets 138. The front reflective shade 56 is designed as aroll-up window shade providing ease of access during plant maintenance.It will be understood that the reflective surface of the frontreflective shade 56 is faced inward. The top cap 26 is then fitted overthe top of the frame assembly 70, as shown in FIG. 11. It will beappreciated that top cap 26 may now be turned into a useable top shelfor ergonomic work surface for typical horticultural or other needs.

With reference to FIG. 12, unfolded grow bags 116 may now be placed ontothe interior surface of the base shelf 24. The pair of trellis bungees120 may now be attached. In the illustrated embodiment, the end hooks ofeach bungee 120 attach through pre-punched holes in diagonallypositioned vertical posts 62 such that the pair of trellis bungees 120form an “X” pattern. The trellis bungees 120 are used to provide supportfor the scrog screen 60, which is placed over the trellis bungees 120.It will be appreciated that the bungees 120 may be attached to form adifferent pattern and that the screen 60 is vertically repositionable asthe trellis bungees 120 may be attached to other holes along the heightof the posts 62.

In the illustrated embodiment, the frame assembly 70 is approximatelyfour feet high by four feet wide and two feet deep, with the bottomshelf 24 and top cap 26 dimensioned accordingly. It should beappreciated, however, that alternative sizes and configurations may beemployed.

The present invention thus provides a plant growing rack assembly systemthat is collapsible into a convenient orientation for transport and salewith no shipping waste, and when assembled is useable and adjustable tosuit different planting requirements for growing a variety of plants,including decorative flowering plants, fruits, vegetables and otherplants, including legalized growing of cannabis. The provided kit thusprovides a pre-engineered, all-in-one horticultural grow product forgrowing plants that includes everything, less the seedlings andsoil/dirt, to grow plants indoors. It is an all-in-one solutioneliminating the need for the consumer to spend hours researchingequipment options.

In the illustrated embodiments, the plant growing assembly 80 has agenerally rectangular configuration, including the shelves and framewhen assembled. It should be appreciated that alternative configurationsmay be employed within the scope of the present invention. Stillfurther, the illustrated frame may also be alternatively configured,including having more or fewer frame members, and altered orientationsfor such supports and manner of interconnection thereof. Accordingly,changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments canbe carried out without departing from the principles of the presentinvention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of theappended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patentlaw including the doctrine of equivalents.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A horticultural plantgrowing assembly, said assembly comprising: a pair of casings, with eachsaid casing comprising a bottom; and a plurality of frame members, saidframe members being connectable together to form a frame; wherein saidplant growing assembly is selectively configurable into a packagedconfiguration and an assembled configuration, wherein in said packagedconfiguration said casings are configured to be engaged together to forma packaging case defining a cavity between said bottoms of said casingswith said frame members contained within said cavity, and wherein insaid assembled configuration said frame members are connected togetherto form said frame with said frame engaged with at least one of saidcasings.
 2. The plant growing assembly of claim 1, wherein said frameextends upwards from said at least one of said casings in said assembledconfiguration whereby said one of said casings comprises a bottom memberof said plant growing assembly in said assembled configuration.
 3. Theplant growing assembly of claim 2, wherein said bottom member comprisesa shelf configured to support a plant.
 4. The plant growing assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the other of said casings is engaged with an upperportion of said frame in said assembled configuration whereby said otherof said casings comprises a top member of said plant growing assembly insaid assembled configuration.
 5. The plant growing assembly of claim 2,further comprising an electric light for projecting light for growingplants, and wherein in said packaged configuration said electric lightis contained within said cavity, and wherein in said assembledconfiguration said electric light is supported by said frame.
 6. Theplant growing assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one of saidcasings is engaged with an upper portion of said frame in said assembledconfiguration whereby said one of said casings comprises a top member ofsaid plant growing assembly in said assembled configuration.
 7. Theplant growing assembly of claim 6, further comprising an electric lightfor projecting light for growing plants, and wherein in said packagedconfiguration said electric light is contained within said cavity, andwherein in said assembled configuration said electric light is supportedby said frame.
 8. The plant growing assembly of claim 7, wherein saidframe extends upwards from said other of said casings in said assembledconfiguration whereby said other of said casings comprises a bottommember of said plant growing assembly in said assembled configuration.9. The plant growing assembly of claim 1, wherein said casings eachinclude perimeter walls disposed about said bottoms of said casings, andwherein said perimeter walls of said one of said casings engage withsaid perimeter walls of the other of said casings when said casings areengaged together to form said packaging case.
 10. The plant growingassembly of claim 9, wherein said perimeter walls of each said casingcomprise upper edges, and wherein said upper edges of said one of saidcasings engage with said upper edges of said other of said casings whensaid casings are engaged together to form said packaging case.
 11. Theplant growing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a wrapper disposedabout an exterior of said casings when in said packaged configuration,wherein said wrapper includes a handle.
 12. The plant growing assemblyof claim 1, further comprising at least one fan that is selectivelyattachable to said frame, and wherein said fan is contained within saidcavity in said packaged configuration.
 13. The plant growing assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said plurality of frame members comprise elongateangled members and wherein said frame members comprise horizontal framemembers and vertical frame members, and wherein when said frame membersare connected to form said frame said horizontal frame members areoriented horizontally and said vertical frame members are orientedvertically.
 14. The plant growing assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a reflective panel selectively attachable to said frame,wherein said reflective panel is configured to wrap around a pair ofside sections and a back section of said frame, and wherein saidreflective panel is contained within said cavity in said packagedconfiguration.
 15. The plant growing assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a retractable reflective shade selectively attachable to saidframe, wherein said retractable reflective shade is configured toselectively cover a front section of said frame and is configured toselectively expand and retract to provide access to said bottom member,and wherein said retractable reflective shade is contained within saidcavity in said packaged configuration.
 16. The plant growing assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of growing containers, whereinsaid growing containers are disposed within said cavity in said packagedconfiguration and are configured to be disposed on said bottom memberwhen in said assembled configuration.
 17. The plant growing assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said frame members comprise a plurality of posts andwherein said posts are vertically oriented when assembled into saidframe, and further comprising a screen that is contained within saidcavity in said packaged configuration and is selectively mountable tosaid posts in said assembled configuration.
 18. The plant growingassembly of claim 1, further comprising an electric light for projectinglight for growing plants, and wherein in said packaged configurationsaid electric light is contained within said cavity, and wherein in saidassembled configuration said electric light is supported by said frame.19. The plant growing assembly of claim 18, wherein said electric lightcomprises a light panel.
 20. A horticultural plant growing assembly,said assembly comprising: a pair of casings, with each said casingcomprising a bottom; an electric light for projecting light for growingplants; and a plurality of frame members, said frame members beingconnectable together to form a frame; wherein said plant growingassembly is selectively configurable into a packaged configuration andan assembled configuration, wherein in said packaged configuration saidcasings are configured to be engaged together to form a packaging casedefining a cavity between said bottoms of said casings with said framemembers and said electric light contained within said cavity, andwherein in said assembled configuration said frame members are connectedtogether to form said frame with said electric light supported by saidframe.
 21. The plant growing assembly of claim 20, wherein in saidassembled configuration said frame is engaged with at least one of saidcasings.